to update cross-references and reflect the Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships, set out in Annex IV of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, which will ensure that the level of environmental protection from marine sewage in Australia is consistent with internationally adopted standards.

Introduced with the Medical Indemnity (Prudential Supervision and Product Standards) Bill 2002 and further to the package of bills implementing the framework for medical indemnity insurance, the bill makes consequential amendments to the

to increase the monetary liability and compensation for pollution damage resulting from the escape or discharge of “persistent oil” (heavy oils which do not evaporate readily) from oil tankers;

Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983

to prohibit the disposal from a ship into the sea of incinerator ashes from plastic products which may contain toxic or heavy metal residues; allow garbage disposal placards to be written in Spanish (rather than English or French); and convert penalties from monetary amounts to penalty units.

Trade Practices Act 1974

to clarify that stevedoring operators are not permitted to collude in setting charges for stevedoring services. Also repeals the

to make minor technical amendments in relation to the visa application charge limit; and Migration Regulations 1994 to: establish new parent visa classes and subclasses, both offshore and onshore; increase the assurance of support bond and period of effect in relation to applicants for the new parent visa classes; and offset the health costs of parent entry by requiring applicants for the new visa classes to pay an additional application charge.

Part of a package of four bills to implement a framework for medical indemnity insurance, the bill imposes a tax on certain members and former members of United Medical Protection Limited (UMP) to recover the costs of the Commonwealth guarantee to the provisional liquidator of UMP/AMIL (Australasian Medical Insurance Limited). Also contains a regulation-making power.

Part of a package of four bills to implement a framework for medical indemnity insurance, the bill imposes a tax on members of medical defence organisations with unfunded incurred but not reported liabilities to recover the costs of Commonwealth assistance in meeting these liabilities. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Part of a package of four bills to implement a framework for medical indemnity insurance, the bill: implements the IBNR (incurred but not reported) indemnity scheme and the high cost claims scheme which provide for Commonwealth assistance in relation to certain liabilities of medical defence organisations and medical indemnity insurers; and introduces premium subsidies to assist medical practitioners in meeting the cost of indemnity coverage. Also contains a regulation-making power.